2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy – Master Your Mpg & Save At The Pump

Let’s be honest: nobody enjoys shelling out more at the gas station than they have to. If you’re a proud owner of a 2017 Honda Pilot, you likely appreciate its versatility, space, and reliability. But with fuel prices always on the mind, you might be wondering how to squeeze every last mile out of your tank. You’re not alone.

Here at FatBoysOffroad, we understand the desire to optimize your ride, whether you’re tackling trails or just the daily commute. This comprehensive guide is dedicated to helping you understand and significantly improve your 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy. We’ll dive deep into practical strategies, essential maintenance, and smart driving habits that will not only save you money but also extend the life of your trusty SUV.

Get ready to transform your Pilot’s efficiency and make smarter choices for your wallet and the environment. Let’s get started!

Understanding Your 2017 Honda Pilot’s Fuel Economy: The Basics

Before we jump into improvements, it’s crucial to understand the baseline for your vehicle. Knowing the official ratings and the factors that inherently influence your MPG is the first step in creating a solid 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy guide.

Official EPA Ratings for the 2017 Pilot

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides estimated fuel economy ratings under controlled conditions. For the 2017 Honda Pilot, these numbers vary slightly depending on the drivetrain and transmission:

FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) with 6-speed automatic: 19 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined
FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) with 9-speed automatic: 20 MPG city / 27 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with 6-speed automatic: 18 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 21 MPG combined
AWD (All-Wheel Drive) with 9-speed automatic: 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 22 MPG combined

These are estimates, of course. Your real-world mileage will always depend on how and where you drive. But they give us a good benchmark to aim for.

Factors That Influence Your MPG

Many variables contribute to your actual fuel consumption. Understanding these can help you pinpoint areas for improvement:

Driving Style: Aggressive acceleration and braking are huge fuel guzzlers.
Terrain and Road Conditions: Hills, unpaved roads, and heavy traffic all reduce efficiency.
Maintenance Habits: Neglected filters, worn spark plugs, and incorrect tire pressure can severely impact MPG.
Cargo and Weight: The heavier your Pilot, the more fuel it needs to move.
Aerodynamics: Roof racks, cargo boxes, and open windows create drag.
Weather: Cold weather, strong headwinds, and using AC/heater heavily can decrease fuel economy.

Proactive Maintenance: The Foundation of Optimal 2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy

Think of your Pilot as a finely tuned athlete. To perform at its best, it needs regular check-ups and proper care. Neglecting routine maintenance is one of the quickest ways to see a dip in your MPG. This section is your essential 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy care guide, focusing on sustainable practices.

Tire Pressure & Condition: Your First Line of Defense

This is arguably the easiest and most overlooked factor. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.

Check Pressure Regularly: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge weekly. Your Pilot’s recommended pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, typically around 32-35 PSI cold.
Inspect Tire Condition: Look for uneven wear, which can indicate alignment issues or improper inflation. Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,500 miles to ensure even wear and maximize their lifespan.
Choose the Right Tires: For optimal fuel economy, ensure your tires are designed for street use with lower rolling resistance, unless your off-road adventures demand otherwise.

A few pounds of pressure can make a noticeable difference in your 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy tips. It’s a quick, free check!

Engine Health: Air Filters & Spark Plugs

Your engine needs clean air and a strong spark to burn fuel efficiently.

Air Filter: A dirty engine air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to burn more fuel to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Check it every oil change (5,000-7,500 miles) and replace it if it’s visibly clogged with dirt and debris. This is a simple DIY job; typically, you just unclip the airbox, pull out the old filter, and drop in a new one.
Spark Plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs lead to misfires and incomplete combustion. This wastes fuel and reduces power. Honda generally recommends replacing iridium spark plugs around 100,000 miles, but if you’re experiencing rough idling or reduced power, check them sooner. Replacing spark plugs requires a spark plug socket and torque wrench to ensure proper installation.

Oil Changes & Fluid Management

The right oil and healthy fluids keep your engine and transmission running smoothly.

Engine Oil: Follow Honda’s recommended oil change intervals (typically 7,500-10,000 miles or indicated by the Maintenance Minder system) and use the specified viscosity (e.g., 0W-20 synthetic blend). Fresh, clean oil reduces friction, which directly impacts fuel efficiency.
Transmission Fluid: The 2017 Pilot uses either a 6-speed or 9-speed automatic transmission. Keeping the transmission fluid clean and at the correct level is vital for smooth shifts and preventing excessive wear. Consult your owner’s manual for service intervals (often around 60,000-90,000 miles for drain-and-fill, depending on driving conditions). A struggling transmission can severely hamper your 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy.

Fuel System Cleanliness: Injectors & Filters

A clean fuel system ensures precise fuel delivery.

Fuel Injectors: Over time, fuel injectors can become clogged with deposits, leading to an uneven spray pattern and inefficient combustion. Using a high-quality fuel system cleaner every 10,000-15,000 miles can help keep them clean. Just pour it into your fuel tank.
Fuel Filter: While many modern vehicles, including the Pilot, have a fuel filter integrated into the fuel pump module, which is not typically a routine replacement item, it’s still good to be aware. If you suspect a clogged filter (e.g., loss of power, hesitation), a professional diagnosis is warranted.

Driving Habits: How to Improve Your 2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy on the Road

Even with a perfectly maintained vehicle, your driving style plays a massive role in your MPG. Adopting these 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy best practices can yield significant improvements.

Smooth Acceleration & Braking

The “jackrabbit” start and sudden braking are efficiency killers.

Gentle Starts: Accelerate gradually. Imagine an egg under your accelerator pedal – you don’t want to break it. This uses less fuel and puts less stress on your engine and transmission.
Anticipate Traffic: Look ahead to anticipate stops, traffic lights, and slowdowns. Coasting to a stop rather than braking hard saves fuel and reduces wear on your brakes.

Maintaining Consistent Speed

Fluctuating speeds force your engine to constantly adjust, which is less efficient.

Use Cruise Control: On highways, cruise control is your best friend for maintaining a steady speed and optimal eco-friendly 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy.
Avoid Speeding: Fuel economy significantly drops above 60-65 mph due to increased aerodynamic drag. Stick to the speed limit.

Minimizing Idling & Reducing Drag

Every minute your engine idles, you’re burning fuel for zero miles.

Turn Off the Engine: If you’re going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds (e.g., waiting for a train, picking up kids), turn off your engine. The Pilot’s Idle Stop feature helps with this, but you can manually override it or turn it off if you prefer.
Remove Roof Racks/Cargo Carriers: If you’re not using them, take them off. They create significant aerodynamic drag, especially at highway speeds, hurting your sustainable 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy.
Close Windows at Speed: At lower speeds, open windows can be fine. But on the highway, open windows create more drag than using the AC sparingly.

Planning Your Routes Efficiently

Smart planning reduces unnecessary driving.

Combine Trips: Group errands together to avoid multiple cold starts, which are less efficient than a warm engine.
Avoid Peak Traffic: If possible, drive during off-peak hours to minimize stop-and-go driving.
Use Navigation: Modern GPS systems can often find the most fuel-efficient routes by avoiding heavy traffic or unnecessary detours.

Common Problems Affecting 2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy & How to Diagnose Them

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your MPG takes a hit. It’s time to troubleshoot. Identifying common problems with 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy requires a keen eye and sometimes a diagnostic tool.

Check Engine Light Diagnostics

The dreaded “Check Engine” light is often the first sign of trouble. Many issues that trigger this light can directly impact fuel economy.

Oxygen (O2) Sensors: These sensors monitor the exhaust gases to ensure the engine is burning fuel efficiently. A failing O2 sensor can send incorrect data to the engine computer, leading to either a rich (too much fuel) or lean (too little fuel) mixture. You’ll need an OBD-II scanner to read the codes (P0133, P0134, etc.).
Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If it’s dirty or faulty, the engine’s computer might miscalculate fuel delivery. A common symptom is rough idle or hesitation. Cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner (not brake cleaner!) can sometimes resolve the issue.
Catalytic Converter Issues: While less common for direct fuel economy issues, a failing catalytic converter can restrict exhaust flow, reducing engine efficiency. This often triggers a P0420 code.

Always address a Check Engine light promptly. A simple OBD-II scanner can be a great DIY tool for initial diagnosis, but professional help may be needed for complex issues.

Brake Drag & Wheel Bearing Issues

Hidden friction can waste a lot of power.

Sticking Brake Calipers: If a brake caliper is sticking, the brake pad remains partially engaged, causing constant friction. You might notice a burning smell, excessive heat from a wheel, or the vehicle pulling to one side. This is a safety issue and needs immediate attention from a mechanic.
Worn Wheel Bearings: A worn wheel bearing creates friction and can make a humming or grinding noise that gets louder with speed. It’s less common to cause significant fuel economy drops directly, but it indicates a mechanical issue that should be repaired.

Transmission Performance

Your transmission is critical for efficiently transferring power from the engine to the wheels.

Slipping or Hard Shifting: If your transmission is slipping (engine revs but the car doesn’t accelerate as expected) or shifting harshly, it’s not working efficiently. Check transmission fluid levels and condition. A professional diagnosis is crucial here, as transmission problems can be costly.

Sensor Malfunctions (O2, MAF, TPS)

Beyond the Check Engine light, other sensors can quietly impact efficiency.

Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): A faulty TPS can cause incorrect fuel delivery and erratic idling. While less common to fail on modern Pilots, it’s another sensor that feeds critical data to the engine control unit.
Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor: If this sensor reports incorrect temperatures, the engine might think it’s perpetually cold and run a richer fuel mixture, wasting fuel.

For any persistent issues, especially those involving sensor malfunctions or the Check Engine light, it’s always best to consult a trusted mechanic. They have specialized diagnostic tools to pinpoint the exact problem.

Performance Mods & Off-Road Considerations for Fuel Efficiency

For our FatBoysOffroad enthusiasts, we know the allure of performance modifications and off-road setups. However, it’s important to understand how these can affect your 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy.

Tires and Wheels: The Off-Road Trade-Off

Aggressive off-road tires are fantastic for grip in mud, sand, and rocks, but they are generally terrible for fuel economy on pavement.

Aggressive Tread Patterns: Large, blocky treads create more rolling resistance and road noise.
Heavier Tires/Wheels: Larger, heavier tires and aftermarket wheels increase unsprung weight, requiring more energy to get them spinning and to stop them.
Proper Inflation (even for off-road): While you might air down for the trail, remember to reinflate to highway pressures immediately after returning to pavement.

Consider a second set of wheels and tires if your off-roading is infrequent – one set for trails, one for daily driving to maximize your benefits of 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy.

Suspension Lifts and Aerodynamics

A lift kit on your Pilot looks great and provides crucial ground clearance, but it comes at a cost to efficiency.

Increased Frontal Area: Lifting your vehicle increases its frontal area, creating more aerodynamic drag. The air has to work harder to get around and under your vehicle.
Altered Suspension Geometry: While not a direct fuel economy factor, improper alignment after a lift can lead to increased tire wear and rolling resistance.

If you’re lifting your Pilot, be prepared for a slight dip in MPG. It’s a trade-off for increased capability.

Weight Management for Off-Roaders

Every extra pound reduces fuel efficiency.

Heavy Bumpers, Winches, Roof Racks: All that cool off-road gear adds significant weight. Only carry what you need for your current adventure.
Tools and Recovery Gear: While essential for off-roading, evaluate if you need to carry every single tool, jack, and recovery strap on your daily commute.

Be mindful of what you’re hauling. A lighter Pilot is always a more efficient Pilot.

Benefits of Optimizing Your 2017 Honda Pilot’s Fuel Economy

Improving your MPG isn’t just about the numbers; it brings a host of tangible advantages that extend beyond the gas pump. Understanding these benefits of 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy can motivate you to stick with these practices.

Cost Savings at the Pump

This is the most obvious and immediate benefit. Even a 1-2 MPG improvement can translate to hundreds of dollars saved annually, depending on your driving habits and fuel prices. That’s more money for gear, adventures, or just your savings account!

Extended Vehicle Lifespan

Many of the practices that improve fuel economy also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Smooth driving, regular maintenance, and keeping your engine in top shape mean less stress on components like the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. This can lead to fewer repairs and a longer life for your Pilot.

Reduced Environmental Impact

A more fuel-efficient vehicle emits fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants. By adopting eco-friendly 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy habits, you’re contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

Enhanced Driving Experience

Smooth acceleration, anticipated braking, and a well-maintained vehicle simply feel better to drive. You’ll experience less stress, a quieter ride, and a greater sense of control on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Honda Pilot Fuel Economy

Let’s tackle some common questions we hear about the 2017 Honda Pilot’s efficiency.

Is the 2017 Honda Pilot good on gas?

Compared to other 3-row SUVs in its class, the 2017 Honda Pilot generally offers competitive fuel economy. While not a hybrid, its EPA ratings (up to 20 city / 27 highway for FWD 9-speed models) are respectable for its size and capability, especially when considering its passenger and cargo capacity.

What is the best octane for a 2017 Honda Pilot?

The 2017 Honda Pilot is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Using higher octane fuel will not improve performance or fuel economy and is simply a waste of money unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer for a particular engine tune or condition, which is not the case for the standard Pilot.

Does AWD impact the 2017 Pilot’s fuel economy significantly?

Yes, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) typically reduces fuel economy by 1-2 MPG compared to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models. This is due to the added weight and friction from the AWD components. If you don’t frequently encounter snow, heavy rain, or off-road conditions where AWD is beneficial, an FWD model will be more fuel-efficient.

Can I use fuel additives to improve my MPG?

Some fuel system cleaners can help maintain the cleanliness of your fuel injectors and combustion chambers, which can indirectly help restore lost fuel economy if those components were dirty. However, don’t expect dramatic MPG increases from “magic” additives. Stick to reputable brands for cleaning, and use them as part of preventative maintenance rather than a quick fix for poor MPG.

When should I replace the spark plugs in my 2017 Pilot?

Honda generally recommends replacing the iridium spark plugs in the 2017 Pilot around the 100,000-mile mark. Always consult your owner’s manual or the vehicle’s Maintenance Minder system for the most accurate and up-to-date service intervals. If you experience misfires, rough idling, or a noticeable drop in power or fuel economy before this interval, it’s worth having them checked.

Conclusion: Drive Smarter, Not Harder

Improving your 2017 Honda Pilot fuel economy is a journey, not a destination. It’s about combining diligent maintenance with smart driving habits. By regularly checking your tire pressure, keeping your engine breathing clean air, and adopting a smoother driving style, you’ll not only save money at the pump but also extend the life and reliability of your beloved SUV.

Remember, every small change adds up. Whether you’re an everyday commuter, a weekend DIYer, or an off-road adventurer, applying these tips will make your Pilot a more efficient and enjoyable ride. Keep these practices in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering your MPG.

Stay safe on the road, enjoy your adventures, and keep those Pilots running strong!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.